Guardianship

Guardianship

What is guardianship?

Guardianship is the legal process through which the court gives a close relative, such as a grandparent/aunt/uncle/cousin, or a close friend, the legal rights to care for a child because the natural or biological parents cannot. Once the legal guardian is appointed by the court, the parents’ rights are suspended and given to the legal guardian.

What are the responsibilities of a legal guardian?

The responsibilities of a legal guardian are almost the same as the responsibilities of a parent. They include, but are not limited to, making decisions about where the minor lives and goes to school; ensuring that the child has food, clothing and shelter; enrolling the child in school; ensuring that the child has proper medical care.